A Stroke of Midnight

A Novel

By: Laurell K. Hamilton

Narrated by: Stella Hunter

“Nonstop action . . . This book will leave you breathless.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“I’ve never read a writer with a more fertile imagination.”—DIANA GABALDON

How much of my human side will I have to give up, and how much of the sinister side of faerie will I have to embrace? To sit on a throne that has ruled through bloodshed for centuries, I might have to become that which I dread the most.

In Los Angeles she is Meredith Gentry, private investigator. In the faraway world of the faerie she is Princess Meredith, heir to a dark throne. In this realm of peril and deception, adversaries watch her every move, while the enemies of her aunt, the queen, lay in wait to usurp power. For the first time in history, human police will enter faerie—and Meredith will need all her allies when fate leads her into the arms of Mistral, Master of Storms, the queen’s new captain of the guard. Their passion will awaken powers long forgotten among the warriors of the court—and as Meredith’s enemies gather, both courts of faerie will face dire threat.

Critic reviews

Praise for Laurell K. Hamilton

A Kiss of Shadows

“I’ve never read a writer with a more fertile imagination.”—DIANA GABALDON

“Sizzling . . . Memorable characters and wicked wit make it all delicious, ribald fun.”—Publishers Weekly


A Caress of Twilight

“Sensual, without a doubt . . . This book moves like a whirlwind.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“[A] sexy, tension-charged dark fantasy mystery.”—Locus


Seduced by Moonlight

“This [faerie] society is one of the most detailed, imaginative, and lovingly drawn in all fantastic fiction, and the Meredith Gentry series has become something special.”—San Jose Mercury News

“Hamilton’s books [are] must-reads.”—The Denver Post

Love the narrorator

I finished listening to this, then went to read my printed copy of Mistrals Kiss, realized the narrorator does such a good job that I cannot read the books without hearing her voice in my mind. I hope she continues the series, and soon! Parts of the story can feel slow, but I still want more. I've read most of this series as the printed works were published, but I adore how Stella brings it to life.

Engaging and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I wish the story hadn’t been a cliffhanger from the last book and for the next book.

Great performance

Narrator did a great job of portraying a more youthful version of Merry and especially does very good voices, including male voices. The story can feel a bit repetitive and stuck in parts, wish there was pre action and less perseverating/spice scenes.

Kell’s mother

The progressive change of heart of the queen is done well
It’s logical
This story is mythical , but the emotions are well done

The story

I absolutely LOVE these and the Anita Blake books!! I started reading this series as soon as they appeared in the local library. I'm overjoyed that now I have the opportunity to listen to them while working, doing housework or driving. 🩷